It is stated that the embalmed remains of the President’s son would leave for Springfield, after the funeral at the White House.
SOURCE: “Willie Lincoln,” Daily Illinois State Journal, Springfield, Illinois, Tuesday Morning, February, 25, 1862, p. 3, col. 1
Clear and pleasant.
Walked to the department. We have vague and incoherent accounts from excited
couriers of fighting, without result, in Dinwiddie County, near the South Side
Railroad.
It is rumored that a
battle will probably occur in that vicinity to-day.
I have leave of
absence, to improve my health; and propose accompanying my daughter Anne, next
week, to Mr. Hobson's mansion in Goochland County. The Hobsons are opulent, and
she will have an excellent asylum there, if the vicissitudes of the war do not
spoil her calculations. I shall look for angling streams: and if successful,
hope for both sport and better health.
The books at the
conscript office show a frightful list of deserters or absentees without
leave-60,000—all Virginians. Speculation !
Jno. M. Daniel, editor
of the Examiner, is dead.
The following
dispatch from Gen. Lee is just (10 A.M.) received:
HEADQUARTERS, April 1st, 1865.
HIS
EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT DAVIS.
Gen.
Beauregard has been ordered to make arrangements to defend the railroad in
North Carolina against Stoneman. Generals Echols and Martin are directed to co-operate,
and obey his orders.
R. E. LEE.
A rumor (perhaps a
1st of April rumor) is current that a treaty has been signed between the
Confederate States Government and Maximilian.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 464
Another bright and
beautiful day.
I walked around the
burnt district this morning. Some seven hundred houses, from Main Street to the
canal, comprising the most valuable stores, and the best business
establishments, were consumed. All the bridges across the James were destroyed,
the work being done effectually. Shells were placed in all the warehouses where
the tobacco was stored, to prevent the saving of any.
The War Department
was burned after I returned yesterday; and soon after the flames were arrested,
mainly by the efforts of the Federal troops.
Gen. Weitzel
commanded the troops that occupied the city upon its abandonment.
The troops do not
interfere with the citizens here any more than they do in New York—yet. Last
night everything was quiet, and perfect order prevails.
A few thousand
negroes (mostly women) are idle in the streets, or lying in the Capitol Square,
or crowding about headquarters, at the Capitol.
Gen. Lee's family
remain in the city. I saw a Federal guard promenading in front of the door, his
breakfast being just sent to him from within.
Brig. Gen. Gorgas's
family remain also. They are Northern-born.
It is rumored that
another great battle was fought yesterday, at Amelia Court House, on the
Danville Road, and that Lee, Johnston and Hardee having come up, defeated
Grant. It is only rumor, so far. If it be true, Richmond was evacuated prematurely;
for the local defense troops might have held it against the few white troops
brought in by Weitzel. The negroes never would have been relied on to take it
by assault.
I see many of the
civil employees left behind. It was the merest accident (being Sunday) that any
were apprised, in time, of the purpose to evacuate the city. It was a shameful
abandonment on the part of the heads of departments and bureaus.
Confederate money is
not taken to-day. However, the shops are still closed.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 470
Bright and pleasant.
Stayed with my next
door neighbors at their request last night—all females. It was quiet; and so
far the United States pickets and guards have preserved perfect order.
The cheers that
greeted President Lincoln were mostly from the negroes and Federals comprising
the great mass of humanity. The white citizens felt annoyed that the city
should be held mostly by negro troops. If this measure were not unavoidable, it
was impolitic if conciliation be the purpose.
Mr. Lincoln, after
driving to the mansion lately occupied by Mr. Davis, Confederate States
President, where he rested, returned, I believe, to the fleet at Rocketts.
This morning
thousands of negroes and many white females are besieging the public officers
for provisions. I do not observe any getting them, and their faces begin to
express disappointment.
It is said all the
negro men, not entering the army, will be put to work, rebuilding bridges,
repairing railroads, etc.
I have seen a New
York Herald of the 3d, with dispatches of the 1st and 2d inst. from Mr.
Lincoln, who was at City Point during the progress of the battle. He sums up
with estimate of 12,000 prisoners captured, and 50 guns.
The rumor of a
success by Gen. Lee on Monday is still credited. Per contra, it is reported
that President Davis is not only a captive, but will soon be exhibited in
Capitol Square.
The Rev. Mr.
Dashiell, who visited us to-day, said it was reported and believed that 6000
South Carolina troops threw down their arms; and that a large number of
Mississippians deserted giving such information to the enemy as betrayed our
weak points, etc.
Three P.M. I feel
that this Diary is near its end.
The burnt district
includes all the banks, money-changers, and principal speculators and
extortioners. This seems like a decree from above!
Four P.M. The Square
is nearly vacated by the negroes. An officer told me they intended to put them
in the army in a few days, and that the Northern people did not really like
negro equality any better than we did.
Two rumors prevail:
that Lee gained a victory on Monday, and that Lee has capitulated, with 35,000
men.
The policy of the
conquerors here, I believe, is still undecided, and occupies the attention of
Mr. Lincoln and his cabinet.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 471-2
Bright and
beautiful. Rev. Mr. Dashiell called, after services. The prayer for the
President was omitted, by a previous understanding.
Rev. Dr.
Minnegerode, and others, leading clergymen, consider the cause at an end. A
letter from Gen. Lee has been found, and its authenticity vouched for (Rev. Dr.
M. says) by Judge Campbell, in which he avows his conviction that further
resistance will be in vain—but that so long as it is desired, he will do his
utmost in the field.
And Dr. M. has
information of the capture of three divisions of Longstreet since the battle of
Sunday last, with some eight generals among them Lieut.-Gen. Ewell, Major-Gen.
G. W. Custis Lee, etc.
The clergy also seem
to favor a convention, and the resumption by Virginia of her old position in
the Union—minus slavery. Charlottesville has been named as the place for the
assembling of the convention. They also believe that Judge Campbell remained to
treat with the United States at the request of the Confederate States
Government. I doubt. We shall now have no more interference in Cæsar's affairs
by the clergy-may they attend to God's hereafter!
Ten o'clock P.M. A
salute fired—100 guns—from the forts across the river, which was succeeded by
music from all the bands. The guard promenading in front of the house says a
dispatch has been received from Grant announcing the surrender of Lee!
I hear that Gen.
Pickett was killed in the recent battle!
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 473-4
Quite warm beautiful day. hear Lt Sis no better. disease Pnumonia, Rumors (?) of fighting near Ft Smith and boats captured
SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, Thirty-Third Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, Vol. XIII, No. 8, Third Series, Des Moines, April 1923, p. 571
[Special Dispatch to the Charleston Courier.]
WASHINGTON, December 27, 7 P. M.—Secretary FLOYD says positively that he knows nothing officially of ANDERSON’S movements. He gave no orders to Col. ANDERSON in relation to the evacuation of Fort Moultrie and the burning of the gun carriages. The supposition is that ANDERSON acted on his own responsibility.
LATER.
The President and Secretary of War assert most solemnly that Col. ANDERSON acted not only without orders but against orders. The Cabinet is now in session, and the matter will be fully discussed.
In the Committee of Thirty-three today, the resolutions of Mr. RUST, of Arkansas, were noted down. It is understood that the Southern members of the Committee will issue an Address to the South immediately, in which they will recommend, as a basis for settlement for the CRITTENDEN proposition.
Vice-President BRECKINRIDGE has signed the Address calling a Convention of the Border States to meat at Baltimore in February
WASHINGTON, December 27, 9 P. M.—The news of the changes at Fort Moultrie, created the most intense excitement in Congress, and throughout the city. Mr. DOOLITTLE, (Republican,) alluded incidentally to the occurrence in a speech in the Senate. On the floor of the Senate might be seen knots of Senators gathered here and there, with anxious faces and engaged in the discussion of the all absorbing topic. At the War Department all sorts of inquiries were made. The President’s house was thronged with Senators and members of Congress. The papers issued extras, and the streets were alive with excitement.
The House was also a scene of excitement and confusion. The great important question was, who authorized the change in the command from Moultrie to Sumter. The demand was answered by Southern Senators and others, including YULEE and TRESCOT. The War Department was astounded at the information, and dispatches flew across the wires thick and fast.
Governor FLOYD, as well as the President, knew nothing of the change contemplated, and remained in doubt as to the reason until a dispatch from Col. ANDERSON settled the matter. He stated that he acted in his own defence, believing it impossible to defend Fort Moultrie against an attack. He, therefore, removed the stores, troops, &c., to Fort Sumter which affords better security. The facts in relation to the whole matter seem to relieve the Administration from any countenance or complicity in the change.
Voluminous dispatches have been forwarded to ANDERSON by the War Department, but their nature is kept secret. The Department seems unwilling to contradict or affirm the thousand flying rumors which prevail on the Avenue. Some most extravagant rumors have been published. A dispatch announcing that the firing of cannon had commenced caused great commotion. A private dispatch received from Baltimore states that the streets are thronged with people, and the city wild with excitement.
The President refused audience to a great many persons this evening, and those who have seen him say he exhibits much feeling in regard to matters in South Carolina. The Commissioners were informed by him that they would not be received officially, but that a special message would be sent to Congress on Monday, with reference to their mission. The Commissioners feel deeply the responsibility of their position and are determined not to act hastily or unadvisedly. They are constantly surrounded by Southern Senators and Congressmen, including Messrs. BOYCE and McQUEEN, the former of whom says he will remain her until the question is finally settled.
Mr. BENJAMIN, of Louisiana, will make a speech in the Senate on Monday, when the President’s special message comes up. It is understood that he advocates the right of secession, and justifies the course of South Carolina.
WASHINGTON, December 27, 10 P. M.—The Cabinet has been in session since nightfall on the movements in Charleston, and the special message in regard to the mission of the South Carolina Commissioners. The Cabinet is still in session at this late hour. The Officials are also busy at the War Department, which is an unusual proceeding.
General SCOTT also denies any previous knowledge of ANDERSON’S movements.
WASHINGTON, December 27, 12.15 P. M. [sic]—The Commissioners from South Carolina and several Southern Senators held a long informal conference to-night. It lasted until twelve o’clock, but nothing of any importance was done. No. Interview has yet been had with the President.
SOURCE: “Important from Washington,” The Charleston Daily Courier, Charlston, South Carolina, Friday, December 28, 1860, p. 1
After the stage arrived on yesterday evening, I learned that it had come from only about fifty miles below and is not going to Alexandria any more, but is only going forty miles in that direction in order to bring up the stock, etc., on the line. The rumor is that the Federals are in possession of Alexandria; all the troops are retreating in this direction.
I have spent a very disagreeable day; it has been raining all day and kept me confined to the house; I am in a quandary; don't know what to do or where to go; am staying at a Frenchman's house at two dollars and a half per day; have no friend or acquaintance to consult and am utterly at a loss whether to go back to Shreveport or to make an effort to go forward; am afraid to try the latter plan for fear of getting out of money too far from home; think I shall start back to-morrow night.
Read Lycidas' "L'Allegro" and "Il Penseroso" to-day, and a few chapters in "Old Mortality;" one of the longest and most disagreeable days I ever spent in my life; O, for peace and a quiet day with my dear wife and little darlings.
SOURCE: John Camden West, A Texan in Search of a Fight: Being the Diary and Letters of a Private Soldier in Hood’s Texas Brigade, p. 26-7
Quite sore from
chopping and rolling cotton. Our Colonel, Amos Norton, is Commander of the
Post, and Rats is provost-marshal, Col. Smith commanding the regiment. Toward
dark a rumor was rapidly circulated through the camp that we were ordered to
Holly Springs, Miss. No one could tell where it started from, and consequently
no one credited it.
SOURCE: Seth James
Wells, The Siege of Vicksburg: From the Diary of Seth J. Wells,
Including Weeks of Preparation and of Occupation After the Surrender, p. 16
Rienzi. We were
aroused this morning with the same story of march and ordered to cook three
days' rations and be ready to march at 1 P. M., but did not go and all quieted
down again. The 3rd Section went out in the afternoon and stationed itself at
bastion No. 5 at 9 P. M. Dispatches were brought around to the effect that McClellan
had captured the rebel army of Virginia including General Lee. Nothing could
induce us to restrain our joy but the fear of its being false.
SOURCE: Jenkin Lloyd
Jones, An Artilleryman's Diary, p. 5-6
We are having another kind of excitement to-day. Boxes are flooding the barracks; the "Express" and "Torpedo" having brought about one box to each man. We appreciate the good things, but acknowledge there is more sickness after having received them; still we "cry for more." It was reported we could smoke on guard at night. We revelled in the privilege, when lo! all too soon, came the word, "No smoking;" and it turned out to be a hoax; but it was thoroughly enjoyed by the boys.
Rumors of war and another expedition are floating around. A number of regiments have had their twelve hours' notice, some say to Wilmington, others Charleston, but it is safe to say the majority do not know; so all we have to do is to wait patiently, and by and by we may find ourselves gone.
There has been a raid towards Trenton, and it is supposed that "they accomplished the object," &c.
SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 33
Bright and cool. A
violent southeast gale prevailed last evening, with rain. Of course we have no
news in the papers from any quarter. Sheridan having retired, all the local
troops returned yesterday.
After all, the
President does not reap a perfect triumph over Congress. The bill suspending
the writ of habeas corpus passed the House by only four majority; and in the
Senate it was defeated by nine against six for it! So the President cannot enjoy
Cromwell's power without the exercise of Cromwell's violence.
We shall have a
negro army. Letters are pouring into the department from men of military skill
and character, asking authority to raise companies, battalions, and regiments
of negro troops. It is the desperate remedy for the very desperate case— and
may be successful. If 300,000 efficient soldiers can be made of this material,
there is no conjecturing where the next campaign may end. Possibly "over
the border," for a little success will elate our spirits extravagantly;
and the blackened ruins of our towns, and the moans of women and children
bereft of shelter, will appeal strongly to the army for vengeance.
There is a vague
rumor of another battle by Bragg, in which he did not gain the victory. This is
not authentic; and would be very bad, if true, for then Sherman's army would
soon loom up in our vicinity like a portentous cloud.
The
Commissary-General, in a communication to the Secretary urging the necessity of
keeping the trade for supplies for Lee's army, now going on in Eastern North
Carolina, a profound secret, mentions the "miscarriage of the
Fredericksburg affair," which proves that the government did send cotton
and tobacco thither for barter with the enemy.
One reason alleged
for the refusal of Congress to suspend the writ of habeas corpus, is the
continuance of Mr. Benjamin in the cabinet.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 451
Clear and very
windy. The fear of utter famine is now assuming form. Those who have the means are
laying up stores for the day of siege,—I mean a closer and more rigorous siege,
when all communications with the country shall cease; and this makes the
commodities scarcer and the prices higher. There is a project on foot to send
away some thousands of useless consumers; but how it is to be effected by the
city authorities, and where they will be sent to, are questions I have not
heard answered. The population of the city is not less than 100,000, and the
markets cannot subsist 70,000. Then there is the army in the vicinity, which
must be fed. I suppose the poultry and the sheep will be eaten, and something
like a pro rata distribution of flour and meal ordered.
There is a rumor of
a great victory by Gen. Johnston in North Carolina, the taking of 4500 prisoners,
70 guns, etc.—merely a rumor, I am sure. On the contrary, I apprehend that we
shall soon have news of the capture of Raleigh by Sherman. Should this be our
fate, we shall soon have three or four different armies encompassing us!
I tried in vain this
morning to buy a small fish-hook; but could not find one in the city. None but
coarse large ones are in the stores. A friend has promised me one—and I can
make pin-hooks, that will catch minnows. I am too skillful an angler to starve
where water runs; and even minnows can be eaten. Besides, there are eels and
catfish in the river. The water is always muddy.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 457-8
Rains incessantly
from 5 A. M. Charles Shaw "E." Co. Detch'd as Post teamster shot in
shoulder by an Indian soldier of the 9th Kansas, while coming after dark with
load of wood. Genl. Orders No. 3 Regt Hd Qtrs. issued. Genl. Salomon now in
comd of Post. Dist of Little Rock relieved pr Orders War Dept. Capt. Rankin
gets his pistol stolen by a soldier of 3d Mich. with a box for K. co, whose
conscience smote him to a confession and giving up the goods he yet had and
paying for the balance. Capt Wright of 3d Iowa Battery, dismissed the Service
for drunkenness on the street, subject to the approval of the President, Camp
rumor (not reliable) 800 rebel soldiers came in today and took the Oath
SOURCE: “Diary of
John S. Morgan, Company G, Thirty-Third Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, Vol. XIII, No. 8, Third Series, Des Moines, April
1923, p. 570
Rienzi. Was begun with another of the "strategic
moves". We were told to hitch up with the greatest speed—all our baggage,
knapsacks, etc. were put in a wagon, nothing was left to encumber us from a rapid
and a desperate fight [in] which we were expected to share. The 3d Section, two
regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, started at 3 A. M. But all rumors of the
enemy's presence proved false, and after lying in the shade, horses hitched,
for an hour, we returned, unharnessed and lay quiet all day. The 3rd Section
returned at 4 P. M. without seeing any enemy.
SOURCE: Jenkin Lloyd
Jones, An Artilleryman's Diary, p. 5
The sky is overcast
with clouds, a cool breeze comes from the west, which makes the temperature
delightful. I have been out berrying, and have succeeded admirably. On my way
in I found some short pieces of board, of which I have made a comfortable seat,
with a desk in front, on which I am now writing. I feel quite like an
aristocrat. In my ramble across the field I discovered a flowering vine, the
most bewitchingly beautiful thing I ever saw. I searched in vain for seed
sufficiently matured to germinate. I wish I could describe its matchless
beauty, but words are feeble.
We are still lying
here waiting for Johnson, of course, to come to us, although no one seems to
know where Johnson is—whether on the Yazoo, the Big Black or the little one. I
suspect it is not definitely known whether his "large army" is a myth
or a reality. But, doubtless, these hidden, secret, mysterious "strategic
movements" and original plans will, some time, be made apparent, and then
I, at least, will make one desperate attempt to appreciate and admire the
wisdom and energy which could see, plan and execute with such unerring
certainty and success. But Vicksburg, the center of gravity at present, is
really a very stubborn fact. I do not understand it, cannot comprehend it, but
I believe Grant will investigate it to the satisfaction of all loyal people.
All the reliable information I can get at present is brought on the wings of
the wind. This is not Grant's official report, but the report of his artillery.
Last night his cannons' sullen roar reverberated from cliff to cliff and shook
the hills. There are all sorts of rumors which it is folly to repeat, for they
are replaced by new ones every hour. I believe I will record the latest, so
here goes:
Last night Pemberton
conceived the brilliant idea of turning loose four or five hundred horses and
mules, creating a stampede among them, and, when Grant's lines open to let them
through, as certainly would be done, if he suspected nothing, why, out they
would rush, artillery, infantry and all, before the lines could close again,
and thus escape. But Grant was wide awake, fell back a mile or two to give
himself room to work, opened his lines for the horses to pass through and the
Rebels to pass in, then closed on them and had them trapped.
SOURCE: David Lane,
A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 53-5
Haines Bluff, Miss. We get no news from the outside world. Not
even the New York Herald or Detroit Free Press, those blatant organs of secession,
can penetrate these lines. But the air is filled with rumors—rumors that are
true today and false tomorrow. It is said the Rebels have a battery now where
they fired on us when we came down; that they have captured all our mail and
destroyed the mail boat. Today they sank the boat in shallow water and one of
our gunboats secured the mail. All we are sure of is we are here, felling trees
and throwing up breastworks; that General Grant is still knocking for
admittance at the "Gates of Jericho." Were I to credit what I hear,
and it comes from "reliable sources," I would believe he has already
made the seventh circuit of that doomed city with his terrible ram's horn in
full blast, and now, covered with sweat and dust, has paused on a
"commanding eminence" to witness the final consummation of his plans.
But the continuous thundering of his artillery and the occasional rattle of
musketry convince me that, in these latter days, the tumbling down of
formidable walls is not so easily accomplished as in the olden times when the
Almighty seemed to take more interest in the affairs of men. But, although the
long-wished for event is delayed until hope is well-nigh dead, still, seeing
and knowing what I do, I have entire confidence in Grant's final success.
But hark! What cry
is this? Oh, joyful sound. The mail! the mail has come!
Thank God, there is one
for me!
SOURCE: David Lane,
A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 60-1
The air is purified
by rain during the night. At first dawn we go to the stream for a bath. Knowing
the difficulty to keep clear of lice and dirt, we take the first precaution.
Found plenty of the same opinion. Breakfast from our scanty lump of bread and
lump of bacon. Roll call at 8 o'clock whereat Rebel sergeants attend. The
purpose is to see if all are present. In the event of any being absent, the
detachment is deprived of rations for the day whether the missing man appears
or not. The bread is of course unsifted meal, mixed without leaven or
seasoning, baked in creased cards two feet square. The cry of
"raiders" awoke us last night. We were told by old prisoners
yesterday, about gangs of thieves composed of brutal men who steal everything
that they can use or sell to Rebels; and in some cases they brutally beat and
kill. These organizations have grown rapidly since arrival of new prisoners,
and act in concert in their nefarious practice. They boldly take blankets from
over men's heads, pieces of clothing, anything that can be carried away,
standing over men with clubs threatening to kill if they move. They are led by
desperate characters said to have been bounty jumpers. They bear the name of
raiders. Going among men of our company I found they had not realized their
danger; some had lost boots, knapsack with contents, blankets, provisions and
other things. In some parts, we hear of pocket picking, assaults with clubs,
steel knuckles and knives. This happens every night; in some places at day,
especially after new arrivals.
The rumor circulated
last night that there was a plot to break out of prison on an extensive plan,
has some weight and is the topic of the day. Near the gate an address is posted
signed by Henri Wirz, captain commanding prison, saying the plot is discovered;
he is fully apprised; warns all to abandon the design; that if any unusual
movement is made, the camp will be immediately swept with grape and cannister
from the artilery; that all must know what the effect will be on a field so
thickly covered with men. Evidently the strictest vigilance is kept over us day
and night as shown by the movements of the military posts from the outside.
Inquiring in
reference to the matter, I learned that a large number of western men had
formed a plan to undermine a section of the stockade from which point the
artillery and other arms were most available, and had tunneled along the wall
underground, having approached it from a tunnel from the interior with a view,
at a given signal, when the wall is sufficiently weakened, to rush upon it with
as much force as could be concentrated, push it down and sieze the guns while
the Rebels are sleeping. It was a daring plot, easily discovered and defeated.
Thompson and I go in
search of "Paradise Lost" to quaff from the Parnassian springs of
Milton. After a long search, for we became bewildered in the crowds, we found
our friend who welcomed us. After exchanging addresses and a glance with the
mind's eye over his field of philosophy, we bore away the prize. Could that
great author, Milton, have thought of a title more appropriate to the place
into which the work of his genius has fallen? Foe without, foe within, robbery,
murder, sickness, starvation, death, rottenness, brutality and degradation
everywhere! Fumes of corruption greet our nostrils; the air is impregnated with
morbific effluvium. It seems impossible that fearful epidemic can be stayed. A
few weeks hence but few may be left to tell the tale of misery. The sacred
realm of nature and its virgin purity have been invaded by the crushing power
of tyranny and ravished by the cruel hand of false ambition. Where but lately
the songs of happy birds rang from lofty pines through heavenly air, today we
hear the groans of men in unrestrained agony. On the foul atmosphere is wafted
the expiring breath of men wasted and wasting in their prime. Daily they sink
as if their feet were planted on a thinly crusted marsh,
and, as they sink,
there is nothing to which their hands can cling; no power can reach that would
save, while around hisses the foe who madly thrust us into this worse than den
of lions.
W. H. Harriman,
Zanesville, Ohio, 15th U. S. Infantry, our new acquaintance, is a finely
organized man, possessing a calm, genial nature, of sterling intelligence. He
has patience, faith, hope, and enjoys their blessed fruits. He has a fine sense
of things, takes a comprehensive view of the crisis, how results one way or
another, will affect the interests of mankind. The right is clear to him; he
has faith it will triumph; regrets that any doubt. His knowledge of things
common to schools and men of thought, proves him of a reflective mind; his
candor, brotherly conduct, render him a noble companion.
We are camped in the
midst of Ohio boys belonging to the 7th cavalry. Thirteen were taken, only
seven alive. One has a malignant sore on his arm caused by vaccination. It has
eaten to the bone, nearly around the arm; gangrene is spreading. He is very
poor; soon must die. (Note—June 13th, he died. He had a wife and comfortable
possesions in Ohio.)
A sergeant of the
same company is afflicted with scurvy in the feet. They are terribly swollen,
nearly black, give almost unendurable pain; still he is kind, cheerfully sings
for our diversion in the inimitable tone the western country boys have in their
songs, "The Battle of Mill Spring," "Putting on Airs,"
etc., accompanied by his brother whose limb is contracted from the same
disease. (Note—He became helpless, was carried to the hospital in a hopeless
condition in June.)
I speak of this as a
few incidents among hundreds all over the camp, illustrative of patient
suffering of as noble young men as grace family households, under circumstances
that have no parallel in affliction.
At 8 o'clock this
evening a sentinel fired. Going to the vicinity I learned a man who came in
today, knowing nothing of the dead lines, lay down near it, was shot in the
side and borne away by friends.
SOURCE: John Worrell
Northrop, Chronicles from the Diary of a War Prisoner in Andersonville
and Other Military Prisons of the South in 1864, p. 60-2
Raining and cold.
This morning there was another arrival of our prisoners on parol, and not yet
exchanged. Many thousands have arrived this week, and many more are on the way.
How shall we feed them? Will they compel the evacuation of the city? I hope
not. Capt. Warner, Commissary-General, is here again; and if assigned to duty,
has sufficient business qualifications to collect supplies.
Thank God, I have
some 300 pounds of flour and half that amount of meal—bread rations for my
family, seven in number, for more than two months! I have but 7½ pounds of
meat; but we can live without it, as we have often done. I have a bushel of peas
also, and coal and wood for a month. This is a guarantee against immediate
starvation, should the famine become more rigorous, upon which we may
felicitate ourselves.
Our nominal income
has been increased; amounting now to some $16,000 in paper—less than $300 in
specie. But, for the next six months (if we can stay here), our rent will be
only $75 per month a little over one dollar; and servant hire, $40—less than
eighty cents.
It is rumored that
Gen. Early has been beaten again at Waynesborough, and that the enemy have
reached Charlottesville for the first time. Thus it seems our downward career
continues. We must have a victory soon, else Virginia is irretrievably lost.
Two P.M. The wind
has shifted to the south; warm showers. Three P. M. It is said they are
fighting at Gordonsville; whether or not the enemy have Charlottesville is
therefore uncertain.
I presume it is an
advance of Sheridan's cavalry whom our troops have engaged at Gordonsville.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 438-9
Bright and cool;
some frost this morning.
I saw an officer
yesterday from Early's command. He said the enemy entered Charlottesville on
Friday at half-past two o'clock P.M., between 2000 and 3000 strong, cavalry,
and had made no advance at the latest accounts. He says Gen. Early, when last
seen, was flying, and pursued by some fifteen well-mounted Federals, only fifty
paces in his rear. The general being a large heavy man, and badly mounted, was
undoubtedly captured. He intimated that Early's army consisted of only about
1000 men! Whether he had more elsewhere, I was unable to learn. I have not
heard of any destruction of property by the enemy.
There is still an
accredited rumor of the defeat of Sherman. Perhaps he may have been checked,
and turned toward his supplies on the coast.
I learn by a paper
from Gen. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, that the machinery of the workshops here
is being moved to Danville, Salisbury, and other places in North Carolina. He
recommends that transportation be given the families of the operatives; and
that houses be built for them, with permission to buy subsistence at government
prices, for twelve months, that the mechanics may be contented and kept from
deserting. This would rid the city of some thousands of its population, and be
some measure of relief to those that remain. But how long will we be allowed to
remain? All depends upon the operations in the field during the next few weeks—and
these may depend upon the wisdom of those in possession of the government,
which is now at a discount.
The Secretary of the
Treasury is selling gold for Confederate States notes for reissue to meet
pressing demands; the machinery for manufacturing paper money having just at
present no certain abiding place. The government gives $1 of gold for sixty of
its own paper; but were it to cease selling gold, it would command $100 for $1.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 440
